Dr. Scott Timpany

Environmental Geoarchaeologist

Scott completed his undergraduate degree in Geography at Coventry University in 1999 and followed this with an MSc by research in Quaternary Studies, also at Coventry University in 2001. Here he investigated the presence and human-environmental interactions of Early Mesolithic people on the Mizen Peninsula, Co. Cork, through palynological study. Scott went on to complete a PhD in Archaeology at The University of Reading in 2005 on the palaeoecological reconstruction of submerged forests along the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel. This involved the excavation of these relict forests, which dated from the Mesolithic through to the Bronze Age, and the study of the intertidal peats within which they are buried through studies of pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs, wood identification, dendrochronology and waterlogged plant remains.

Whilst finishing his PhD, Scott went to work in the commercial sector for Headland Archaeology Ltd from 2004-2012. Here he worked on a large number of developer-funded commercial projects across the UK and Ireland, ranging from single sites to road schemes and wind farm developments containing multiple sites. Using developer-funding Scott was able to instigate research projects such as the Burnt Mound study from sites along the A4/A5 in Northern Ireland (publication in preparation – see below).

Here a multi-disciplinary study, including pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs, waterlogged plant remains, wood and macroscopic charcoal, together with microscopic charcoal and insects, was undertaken in order to investigate the use of the burnt mounds and the impact of their use on the environment. This study has led to the potential identification of wood management in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age in order to maintain the wood fuel resource for burnt mound activity.

Scott has recently started at Orkney College where he will be developing his new role of Environmental Geoarchaeologist for ORCA Marine as part of the Marine Historic Environment Project and also hopes to contribute his skills in Geoarchaeology and Palaeoecology to the Archaeology Department.

Research Interests

The palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of submerged and buried landscapes.

Palynological studies and the use of non-pollen palynomorphs in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.

Medieval kiln charred plant assemblages and their relation to past farming practices, woodland resource and reconstruction together with being records of biodiversity.

The environmental impact of burnt mound technology and its links to prehistoric woodland management.

Holocene environmental change

Current/Recent Projects

Metal Links Project (2012 – present) – looking at palynological and geochemical evidence for historic metal working on the Copper Coast and Wicklow Mountains and the impact this had on the local environment; both in terms of environmental change and pollution. This is a joint project with Dr Tim Mighall at the University of Aberdeen.

Isle of Bute (2010 – present) – reconstructing the palaeoenvironmental history over the past 11,000 years for an area on the north of the Isle of Bute. This represents the first full Holocene pollen study for the island and was funded by the Discover Bute Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Burnt Mounds from the A4/A5 road scheme (2008 – present) – developer funded investigating the use and environmental impact of burnt mounds from sites on the A4/A5 in Northern Ireland.

Academic ResponsibilitiesScott will be developing his academic roles and responsibilities as he settles into his post. He hopes to develop various contributions to degree and post graduate courses, especially to the Modules in Archaeological Method and Theory and Environmental Sciences.External Responsibilities and Memberships

Publication Officer for the Severn Estuary Levels Research Committee

Member of the Association for Environmental Archaeology

Member of the Irish Archaeobotany Discussion Group

Member of the Irish Wood Discussion Group

Member of the ScARF panel on Science in Archaeology

Scott is hoping to become a Nautical Archaeological Society tutor for the NAS Introduction and Part 1 Certificate in Foreshore and Underwater Archaeology.